There was shock in golf circles and beyond when it was revealed that Makena White, the 28-year-old girlfriend of PGA Tour player Jake Knapp, had died suddenly. Fans were left in sadness for a woman who was described as exceptionally kind, incredibly loyal, and full of dazzling energy after her death was revealed via an Instagram memorial posted by a close friend.
Although the official circumstances of her death are still unknown, information from her own blogs reveals a remarkably human picture of the health issues she publicly and discreetly dealt with. Makena disclosed earlier this year that she suffers from tachycardia, a disorder characterized by an abnormally elevated heart rate. She mentioned that her heart rate might exceed 133 beats per minute in one social media post, along with a picture of a Holter monitor. It provided a nuanced but important glimpse into the inner turmoil that behind her outward grin.
Jake Knapp – Personal and Professional Information
| Full Name | Jake Knapp |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Professional Golfer (PGA Tour) |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Winner of the 2024 Mexico Open; shot 59 at the 2025 Cognizant Classic |
| Relationship | Makena White (Deceased, age 28) |
| Active Years | 2016–Present |
| Residence | California, USA |
After Jake’s second season on the PGA Tour, Makena wrote a poignant tribute to him in August, a few weeks before she passed away: “Year 2 of first fairway hugs & watching you live out your dreams 🫶🏼.” You make being proud so damned easy, my boy, and I adore you. It was a message that now sounds eerily like a farewell—a last moment of appreciation, support, and affection. Jake responded with two straightforward heart emojis, which is a modest yet kind gesture that seems very moving in hindsight.
Jake Knapp expressed his grief in a public statement via People following the confirmation of her death in late September. “I will always be grateful for Makena’s selflessness toward others; she was such a thoughtful person,” he remarked. “It’s difficult to accept that she is no longer with us because we had so many special memories together.” His tone was low, his sorrow barely audible. Fans responded favorably to his appeal for privacy and consideration for Makena’s family.
Jake’s career had been taking off at an exceptionally rapid pace when the loss occurred. He shot a bogey-free 59 in the Cognizant Classic earlier in 2025, putting him among the top promising players in golf. However, in a tragically poetic turn of events, his career success came at the same time as his personal anguish. Since then, the public has witnessed him take a small step back from the limelight, putting family time and emotional recovery ahead of notoriety.
An insight into Makena’s personality was provided via her friend’s Instagram tribute. She wrote, “Makena was unique.” Her enormous heart was constantly brimming with affection. It was a privilege to have her affection, filled with joy and laughter and just enough mayhem to keep things interesting. The spirit of a woman who, by all accounts, made others around her feel recognized, respected, and appreciated was captured in those words.
Makena may have been more serious than she admitted when she first mentioned her heart problem, according to new coverage by Page Six. A medical cause has not yet been verified by any authoritative report. According to reports, her family has decided to keep specifics confidential, which makes sense considering how unexpected her death was and the emotional toll it takes.
The way the tragedy developed along with Jake’s ascent had a remarkably symbolic quality. Even while his profession was booming and his name was starting to become well-known among golf’s elite, his personal life was slowly falling apart. It serves as a reminder that life is always fragile, even in the face of triumph. The contrast between tragedy and triumph is often too stark, yet it is what gives people we hold in high regard a human face.
Jake Knapp and other athletes live under a microscope; their triumphs are lauded, but their sorrows are hardly acknowledged. His sense of balance has surely changed as a result of losing someone as important as Makena, who was his confidante, companion, and support system. According to many who know him, he is “heartbroken but grounded,” allowing his grief to be expressed via introspection. Such emotional fortitude is both essential and extremely difficult for an athlete.
Similar situations where peak performance and personal loss collided have happened in the sports sector previously. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps once talked about how personal hardships tried his willpower, while Kobe Bryant also gave a heartfelt speech on finding inspiration in loss. This could turn out to be a pivotal emotional chapter for Jake Knapp, one that either slows down his progress or, amazingly, fortifies his mission.
In addition to golf, the story highlights the health consciousness of young individuals, especially women. Even though it is curable, tachycardia can be hazardous and unpredictable if ignored. Makena was especially courageous to share tidbits of her health experience, which sparked discussions that might aid others in identifying early warning signs. Her candor now has a new meaning and serves as a constant reminder that being visible can save lives.
Since then, fans have showered her social media pages with loving comments and anecdotes about how her optimism affected them. Others remarked on how her humor made her sympathetic, while others described her articles about Jake’s tournaments as “windows into joy.” It demonstrates how social media can become a live repository of compassion and kinship when used in an authentic manner.
It’s simple to concentrate only on the loss during public grief, but Makena’s narrative also emphasizes how fleetingly beautiful life can be. Her enthusiasm, love, and laughter keep spreading, impacting those who have never even met her. In addition to being a golfer, Jake’s admirers now describe him as a man who is experiencing the purest form of resilience.
There is some unspoken conjecture that he would pay tribute to her memories while he pursues his career by supporting charitable causes or heart health awareness initiatives. Such actions would be incredibly appropriate and enable her legacy to transcend loss. It would be an especially creative method to combine personal significance with professional influence, which frequently leads to long-lasting change.
